Double Olympic Gold Medal Jumper Sapphire Passes
11 years ago StraightArrow Comments Off on Double Olympic Gold Medal Jumper Sapphire Passes
June 22, 2014
Sapphire, the mare that McLain Ward rode to win two Olympic team gold medals for America, has died after a colic, at the age of 19 years.
The chestnut mare had been living at Blue Chip Bloodstock in Walkill, New York, about 50 miles (80 km) north of New York City. The breeding farm was a co-owner with McLain of Sapphire.
McLain, who is based in Brewster, New York, rode the Belgian Warmblood (Darco x Hedjaz) to Olympic team gold medals at the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics as well as team silver at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany in 2006.
During their partnership–McLain bought Sapphire sight unseen and with no veterinary examination on the recommendation of his friend Francoise Mathy–Sapphire was a stalwart of United States teams at numerous Nations Cup and won top Grand Prix in Europe and America.
She was retired two years ago to Blue Chip Bloodstock.
McLain said n a statement: “With a very heavy heart I have to share that Sara has passed away this morning due to complications from colic. Our entire Castle Hill family and every person she has touched has lost a great friend. Thank you Sara not just for all the dreams you made come true but simply for being who you were. You always will be my champion in every way. God speed good friend.”
